safety

Gugu Gift Guide: Sun & Water Safety Picks

Summertime is here and we’re ready for fun! We rounded up our favorite gift guide picks for enjoying the sun and water this summer; to be fair, we think these gifts are awesome year round, but they’re must-haves for summer fun. Read on to learn more about these gift picks, plus some exclusive offers for Gugu Guru readers!

Earth Mama Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen: Summertime can be a bummer for kids when they have sensitive skin, as lathering the sunscreen on them becomes a struggle with it’s irritating to their young skin. We’re so excited about the new Earth Mama Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, which is not only skin-safe, but eco-friendly as well. Earth Mama believes what’s IN the sunscreen is just as important as what’s NOT, and if an ingredient is available organic, they’re going to use it! Plus, all of their sunscreens are NSF/ANSI 205 Certified by Oregon Tilth. Earth Mama’s Uber-Sensitive Sunscreen is safe enough for even the most sensitive skin, as it features organic colloidal oatmeal, which is calming for the skin; in fact, the Uber-Sensitive Sunscreen actually has more colloidal oatmeal than is required by the FDA to be in an eczema cream! With organic shea butter, this creamy mineral sunscreen lotion is also reef friendly and has no chemicals, artificial fragrances and non-nano zinc. When it comes to sun safety, Earth Mama has you covered with the broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is water resistant for 40 minutes. Plus, the Earth Mama Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is pediatrician and dermatologist tested, specifically tested for skin irritation, in fact. You’re going to want to stock up on this must-have sunscreen for your summer adventures. Use code EarthMamaSunscreen on their website for 20% off their regularly priced purchases. US orders only, expires 6/30/19.

Baby K’tan Active Wrap Carrier: Summertime is all about getting out and about, and we’ve found it’s so much easier to be out in summer when you can easily babywear. The Baby K’tan Active Wrap Carrier is a must-have for summertime adventures for so many reasons. The Baby K’tan Active Carrier is created from high-tech performance fabric, which means it offers temperature control, as well as a quick-drying finish and blocks over 90% UVA and UVB rays, making it ideal for summertime. We know you and your little one will love how the fabric wicks away moisture and sweat while cooling you both down. Plus, it is super easy to put on and take off, and washing is a cinch – just like your favorite t-shirt! You can easily travel with it, throw it in the diaper bag, and be ready for any of your summer travels.

GoSili, 16oz cup with Straw: As your little ones play outside in summer, it is imperative to stay hydrated in the hot summer sun. We’re big fans of the GoSili Silicone Cup with a Straw, for both kids and parents this summer. The GoSili cup is the first all silicone cup to hold its shape, which makes it ideal for kids. The GoSili cups are made from 100% European grade silicone and features and embedded stainless steel ring to ensure that it holds its shape, so it will not collapse when grapped. GoSili’s patented technology is ground-breaking in terms of being eco-friendly and is a perfect alternative to plastic to-go cups. Parents will love this cup because it is dishwasher safe and easy to clean, and fits in all cup holders for summer road trip fun. Use code SILIGURU for 10 percent off orders from their website.

Looking for more summer gift ideas?

Thank you to Earth Mama and GoSili for making this sponsored post possible – we are so appreciative!

What’s New on Gugu: March 20, 2019

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

This week I’m focusing on brands that I adore. Some of these products are new to market while others are new for the season. For loads of our other favorites, please check out our Explore page! (Also, these opinions are 100% my own and I have not received any products in exchange for placement in What’s New on Gugu!)

Joeyband: Immediately after giving birth, you will be encouraged to have skin-to-skin time as much as possible. While this is so beneficial to both parents and baby, the Joeyband makes it even more convenient! Perfect for in-hospital use, the Joeyband will help parents manage this bonding period while preventing infant falls. Also exceptional for use after a C-Section to allow healing mothers to easily keep baby close during recovery.

Babo Botanicals: Having two boys with severe eczema, I have tried pretty much every fragrance-free product on the market. Babo Botanicals offers an extremely wide range of skin care options for my kids. From sunscreen to diaper cream, cleansing wipes to shampoo, they have a natural product for every member of your family!

Copper Pearl Spring Patterns: Copper Pearl does it again with yet another round of adorable burp cloths and bibdanas. Giving us adorable Spring vibes, new patterns – Sassy, Holly, Morgan, Alta (and others!) are a perfect warm weather addition to any family’s garden. Plus they hold up well after multiple washes and act as the perfect accessory to any outfit!

Kindred Bravely Louisa Leggings: While most of Kindred Bravely’s product line is at the top of our favorites, we hadn’t seen their leggings in person until a few weeks ago. We were blown away! They are stretchy, comfortable, and extremely high-quality. Plus, they are a thick enough material and won’t thin out like so many other maternity/postpartum leggings. A true must have for your maternity wardrobe!

Skip Hop Play to Night Expanding Travel Crib: An excellent solution to traveling with your little one! We love this new travel crib from Skip Hop, which starts as a cozy sleep environment and expands to a much larger play space for baby or toddler. Equipped with a travel bag, this is the perfect item to take with while visiting family or friends!

Like what you see? Check out some other What’s New on Gugu posts:

What’s New on Gugu: February 20, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: February 27, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: March 6, 2019

What’s New on Gugu: March 13, 2019

Cold Weather Babywearing – What You Should Know

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

This post on cold weather babywearing is brought to us by Linnea Catalan the Executive Director of the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance.

Winter weather brings new challenges for staying warm while still getting out and about, especially once you add a baby into the mix! The good news is that today you have more options than ever for cold weather babywearing.

Safety First
Keep your little one snug, warm and close to your chest in a properly fitting sling or carrier. The most important thing is to be mindful and never cover a baby’s face with a blanket, cover or zipped up jacket when cold weather babywearing. This is equally important in other container-type devices as well (like strollers and infant bucket seats). Covering a baby’s face makes it impossible to monitor them and can lead to suffocation or C02 rebreathing.

Also, watch your footing, especially in adverse weather conditions or if you are carrying your baby on your front and can’t see the ground below you. Be extra mindful of slip and fall hazards in icy conditions.

Staying Warm
You have a few different options for staying warm while cold weather babywearing. First, decide if you want outdoor gear that goes over both you and baby together or if you are wearing your carrier and baby over your jacket and dressing baby separately.

You can choose sharing one layer that goes over both of you, but remember that you and baby will be sharing body heat and that the carrier also functions as an additional layer for both of you. Dress your baby as you’ve dressed yourself, making sure hands, feet and head have adequate protection. You’ll be sharing a lot of body heat so make sure you don’t overdress either! Layers are key.
There is also outerwear but your options for outerwear are going to depend on your climate and activity. Here are a few options that are all meant to go over your existing carrier:

Fleece sweaters for two, like the Boba Babywearing Hoodie are a lightweight option.
Already have a coat you love? A zip in jacket panel lets you turn your existing winter jacket into a coat for two (also very useful for pregnancy!) We love the Make My Belly Fit collection as well as the Kokoala jacket extender.
A purpose made babywearing jacket can be a bit of investment but many parents find that it’s worth the money for convenience and fit. Many of these jackets modify for maternity use, as well as wearing it as a regular jacket. One of our absolute favorites is the Booker Coat from B&Me (they also offer a vest and adorable babywearing hat for your little.) There are also quite a few on the market that allow you to do front and back carries. We love Liliputi’s 4-in-1 Mama Coat, Diva Milano’s babywearing puffer jacket, Mamalilia’s classic cut wool jacket, and MaMidea’s entire range of babywearing garments. (Editor’s note: heads up that these last four brands are not US companies and therefore reflect a different currency. Please also double-check shipping information and costs.)

Wearing your carrier over outerwear:
Be mindful that babies don’t regulate temperature as well as adults, so dress your baby in appropriate winter layers the same way you dress yourself. You’ll want to avoid anything excessively bulky as this can be difficult to fit into a carrier properly.

Mind the gap – carriers can hike snowsuits up at the legs, exposing skin to the cold. Baby leg warmers, baby tights (for boys and girls) and wool or waterproof booties will help keep baby warm and protected.

There are many brands of carrier covers that are meant to add an extra layer of warmth. These are a soft shell (some are waterproof, insulated, fleece-lined etc) that attach around your existing carrier and cover your baby. Some do double duty and work in strollers as well. We’ve rounded up a few options- take a look at the BABYBJÖRN cover or a microfiber versions, like Ergobaby’s winter weather cover, and Jolly Jumper’s easy to find Snuggle Cover as a start.

Don’t let the cold weather keep you inside! With a little prep, you and your little one can enjoy getting out with minimal fuss. The above options are not at all exhaustive, but should be a good start to point you in the right direction.

About Linnea Catalan

Linnea Catalan is the Executive Director of the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance. The BCIA is a non profit trade organization that promotes the baby carrier industry, works on the carrier safety standards that protect consumers, and assists manufacturers, educators and retailers with compliance and best practices. Learn more at www.babycarrierindustryalliance.org

D.R.E.A.M. SAFE Sleep Practices from Colgate Mattress

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Following the D.R.E.A.M. SAFE sleep practices created by our friends at Colgate mattress will help protect your baby from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). According to the JPMA, each year in the United States there are approximately 3,500 Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID). These deaths occur among infants less than 1 year old and have no immediately obvious cause. Although the causes of death in many of these infants cannot be explained, statistics show that as many as 80-90 percent are the result of unsafe sleep practices.

D.R.E.A.M. SAFE sleep practices:

D ~ DO place baby on her back to sleep.
Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night.
R ~ REMEMBER a FIRM crib mattress is always best.
Firmness aids in development of baby’s muscles and bones. Soft beds naturally give and contour which can impede a babies breathing and trap heat, which can also be dangerous.
E ~ ELIMINATE clutter.
Do not put anything soft, loose or fluffy in your baby’s sleep space. Only a fitted sheet, mattress pad or waterproof pad should be used under baby.
A ~ ALWAYS place baby in the crib to sleep.
Never place your baby to sleep on top of any soft surface. This includes adult beds, couches, pillows, cushions, comforters and sheepskins.
M ~ MONITOR air flow and temperature.
Make sure your baby doesn’t get too warm during sleep. Use lightweight sleep clothing and keep room temperature at what would be comfortable for a lightly-clothed adult. For newborns, consider swaddling.

By integrating these safe sleep habits, you will help ensure the safety of your baby every time they rest. For more safe sleep tips, please visit the JPMA’s Safe Sleep Center.

A Safety Focused Rainbow Registry

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We felt very honored to work with Jordan DeRosier on a safety focused rainbow registry. As you may have read in the media, Jordan is a mother who lost her son, Sloan, at 7 months old due to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) in July of 2017. Since Sloan’s death, Jordan has been actively sharing her story to help promote safe sleep practices with new parents.

Gugu Guru worked with Jordan to help her prepare for her rainbow baby girl, Phoenix, born in May. We both worked together to take special consideration for safe sleep products and brands who have made it a core part of their missions to promote baby safety.

Here are just some of the brands and products that we selected for her. You can see Jordan’s full safety focused rainbow registry here.

ergoPouch – ergoPouch is an Australian company, renowned for high quality, innovative and award-winning baby Swaddles, Sleeping Bags, Sleep Suit Bags, Winter Sleep Suits and Layers (PJ’s) to complement the organic and sleep-safe Sleeping Bag range. Safety is at the forefront of mind when designing an ergoPouch product. All ergoPouch sleepwear go through product safety standard testing as required by Australian law and products are designed for safe sleeping according to Australian SIDs guidelines.

MAM – MAM’s number priority is to deliver safety to babies and infants with products that are functional, comfortable and safe. Since MAM developed its first pacifier in Vienna in 1976, the company has evolved to become a globally trusted baby care brand. The market leader for pacifiers in the U.S., each year more than 19 million MAM pacifiers are sold to U.S. consumers. MAM pacifiers are extensively tested undergoing 40 different tests before being made available for sale.

Baby Merlin – As a parent, Maureen Howard’s highest priority is the safety and well being of her children. The Magic Sleepsuit was designed and is manufactured with safety as a top priority. Every shipment of Magic Sleepsuits undergoes extensive safety lab testing and quality control inspection.

Delta Children – Delta Children offers safe, high quality nursery furniture, strollers, bassinets and other baby and toddler products. Safety is Delta Children’s #1 priority. Each Delta Children product is designed and engineered with the highest quality in order to guarantee that it exceeds internationally recognized standards and methods of testing before it hits the sales floor and enters your home.

Colgate Mattress – Founded in 1955, Colgate produces some of the highest quality crib mattresses anywhere. The company has made the health and safety of babies their primary focus and have worked tirelessly to earn the trust of parents. Colgate mattresses are made with the finest, non-toxic materials in the marketplace and have been awarded the GREENGUARD Gold certification. Find out more about how Colgate makes the safest crib mattresses here.

QuickZip – Your baby spends up to 15 hours a day sleeping. His crib sheet should be as safe as his car seat. QuickZip has reinvented the crib sheet; enclosing the entire mattress so that it can’t be pulled off and won’t pop off accidentally becoming a hazard that could interfere with your baby’s breathing.

Owlet – Check on baby without disturbing his or her sleep. The Owlet Smart Sock tracks heart and oxygen levels and sends real-time insights to your phone. It also includes a base station which glows green to reassure you baby is okay but will notify you if heart rate and oxygen levels leave preset zones.

UPPAbaby – UPPAbaby products meet the most stringent industry standards required by the Juvenile Product Manufacturing Association (JPMA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The UPPAbaby VISTA bassinet turns the stroller into a baby buggy. With just one hand, you can detach the Bassinet and carry your sleeping infant anywhere. The flat, firm surface meets AAP safe sleep standards. Plus, the Bassinet converts into a perfect overnight sleep solution with the stand.

Molly’s Suds – Molly’s Suds was founded after the stillbirth of founder Monica’s daughter Molly. Monica, a pediatric nurse, yearned to know what could have caused her daughter’s stillbirth. During her research, she uncovered a disturbing fact: in the United States alone 80,000 chemicals were approved for use by the Toxic Substances Control Act and yet only 200 of the toxins were tested for human safety. All Molly’s Suds products are formulated with a ‘no compromise’ attitude when it comes to using pure, safe ingredients. The brand uses earth and plant-derived ingredients to enhance efficiency and cut down on cleaning time without compromising your family’s health through exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and carcinogens.

BreathableBaby – At BreathableBaby, safety is the company’s top priority. Safety is the starting point for product design, and the brand takes extra steps (like consulting with doctors and rigorously testing our products) to make sure all of their safer sleep solutions are dependable enough for your family. The company is proud to not only meet but also exceed all relevant product safety standards. BreathableBaby’s research is helping to make products safer across the board, too.

Micuna – Spain-based Micuna is a global leader in the manufacturing of furniture and accessories for babies and children. Recognized for their commitment to design, quality and safety of its products, Micuna was one of the first Spanish companies to comply with the high standards of European quality and safety. Micuna products are crafted with eco-friendly practices and materials including wood obtained from sustainable forests.

bblüv – bblüv believes in quality products that are safe, durable, attractive and make life easier. The company puts a great deal of effort in the design of our products so you can be assured that what enters your home will make your and your baby’s life simpler.

Finn + Emma – Finn + Emma offers modern, high quality and 100% organic clothes and toys for baby. Boring designs and toxic chemicals are a thing of the past while modern colors, fresh prints and heirloom quality construction are abundant.

Lorena Canals – At Lorena Canals, quality and safety start at the source, in their manufacturing process. The products are constructed with natural fibers, are anti-allergic, eco friendly, use natural dyes and 100% Cotton textiles. The brand prides itself on quality in every aspect of production, from the best raw materials to socially responsible labor practices. Its rugs and accessories are available in a wide variety of designs, colors and sizes, making them suitable for any room.

Solly Baby – At Solly Baby, closeness is what matters. The power of touch, the strength in being together, the comfort given just by being near, and that the most enduring relationships are not only in love but in experiencing life together. Solly Baby wraps seamlessly and luxuriously integrate all of the benefits of baby wearing while holding baby wearing safety above all else. Their on-staff baby wearing educator is readily available to offer one-one-one advice via email and you can also find her every week on FB Live sharing tips and tutorials.

aden + anais – Safety is top of mind when developing the aden + anais product range. Each and every product goes through a rigorous course of testing before hitting the market. Whether it’s through eliminating loose blankets in the crib with sleeping bags, knowing the correct way to swaddle or removing all harsh ingredients from our skin care collection, aden + anais strives to make sure the brand influences families to build the safest environments for their babies.

Learn more about Jordan DeRosier and her journey on her blog Life of DeRosiers.

Meet the Maker: Milk Street Baby Cribs

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

-Sponsored Post-

When Milk Street Baby first debuted their gorgeous cribs, we were so excited to share them with you! And now, we are thrilled to introduce you all to Julie Knisley, the founder and designer of Milk Street Baby. Milk Street Baby is not only known for their modern designs with a traditional twist, but steadfast commitment to safety – which is why we are eager to have you learn more about Julie and her fantastic line of cribs and furniture during Baby Safety Month. Check Milk Street Baby out on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Why did you want to start Milk Street?

Milk Street was born after years of experience designing for other crib companies. I saw corners cut and facts incorrectly stated. I had no control and no final say in final production quality. I started and run Milk Street so I can make certain that we are offering moms and dads the absolute best crib on the market at our price. We offer real product as well as complete transparency to families. And, we encourage new moms to utilize the supplier of their local baby specialty store. These retailers we have partnered with know this niche and will offer a lifetime of support and education [editor’s note: we love this!]. Seems with all the online options these days, young parents assume that if a company is making cribs that those products are safe for baby. ASSUME NOTHING. I have seen the other side of this and know that not all cribs are safe. We want to educate our customers and the questions to ask as well as the answers to maximize wellbeing of that baby. There is nowhere you would leave your baby alone and unattended other than in the crib, that crib must be a safe haven.

What is your background in design and how did you come to care so deeply about baby safety?

My background is in furniture design, and I got my start creating children’s chairs for a company who produced cribs. I was working for the company that had a HUGE recall involving several baby deaths. This was when I realized someone needed to become an expert in all aspects of safety. I spent time in the testing labs and in countless factories to figure the specific parameters to design within.

I believed then and still do today that a crib is one of the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime. I wanted to design and produce a safe, beautiful crib for every type of family.

What is so significant about your commitment to safe finish AND design?

Safe finish is probably the single most important aspect of what we do, and an extra and costly step that no one else is doing. Construction and basic coatings tests are required to pass ASTM and CPSC standards. The construction standards are quite stringent but when it comes to coating, we feel we need to go the extra mile! Content finishes found in a nursery is incredibly important to the development and well being of your baby. We test every single layer of our finish — sometimes that mean 8 different layers — for phylates and heavy metals. Our competition only tests once… their finish. We test every layer because while there may be appropriate levels to phylates in that top coat/ single finish board when being tested…. over time and if top coat gets nicked or scratched… these phylates and other chemicals can seep through that top layer. We test every single layer and provide customers with complete results!

Why should parents invest in Milk Street cribs?

I believe we offer not only the best product on the market made from solid wood and veneers to the best functions, scale of design, and finish. Our quality is strong, and our pricing for what you are getting is unheard of. In fact, in talking about price, I went way below what my partners though these should be priced at. I wanted young families to be able to afford a real quality crib that would last the lifetime of their child. All of our cribs convert to be used long after the nursery. You can be sure you are getting an amazing value in every one of our cribs. Our cribs are made with love and held to the highest standards possible. Our company is the only crib company owned and managed by women!

What can Milk Street do for families? How can they enhance the overall safety and health of the house?

Milkstreet can provide your families with:

Peace of mind
Family heirloom that stays with child through adulthood
Cutting edge look
At Milk Street, our goal is to provide safety, support and edgy designs for our moms and dads. Julie Knisley has designed for the best brands in the world, and she founded Milk Street to find a way to maximize design within the limitations of a crib and to insist upon creating the safest haven for your little ones.

Thank you to Milk Street for making this sponsored post possible.

Baby Safety: Hands-Free Safety with JPMA

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

It’s National Baby Safety Month and every Monday we will be sharing tips from the leaders in baby safety knowledge at JPMA. Today’s tips are all about going hands-free with baby and how to stay safe. Don’t forget to check out our past posts with JPMA, strap safety, and the carseat challenge!

Babies are meant to be held. The closeness created when babies are held in their parents’ arms is invaluable to their development. Although you may not want to put your baby down, there comes a time when you must shower, brush your teeth, and make dinner!

There are a variety of juvenile products that provide some hands-free time for parents as well as entertainment or comfort for baby. Whether you are looking for an infant seat, bouncer, or swing; it is important to do your homework before purchasing and select a product that is perfect for your baby’s age, height, weight and fits your lifestyle.

No matter what product you choose for some “baby freedom”, be sure to follow these guidelines to ensure you are using them safely:

Babies should always be buckled into swings, infant seats, and bouncers.
NEVER leave a baby unattended. It is important to stay in the same room as baby while using any bouncer, swing, or activity center.
For swings, use a five-point harness whenever possible to keep baby from climbing or rolling out of the seat.
NEVER place bouncers or infant seats on beds, sofas, or other soft surfaces. Infant seats or bouncers can roll over and suffocate a baby.
ALWAYS secure the restraining straps and never leave a baby in the seat when straps are loose or undone.
Baby’s movements can slide an infant seat or bouncer, so be sure not to place the infant seat near the edges of countertops, tables or other elevated surfaces.
Never use a bouncer on an elevated surface.
NEVER place the swing or bouncer near windows, draperies, blinds, or wall mounted decorative accessories with long cords that baby could reach.
Follow the manufacturer’s minimum and maximum weight and age requirements.
Look for the JPMA certification seal.
Most importantly, although it’s an easy alternative to let your baby nap in the bouncer or swing, the safest place for a baby to sleep is in a fully functional, properly assembled, JPMA certified crib.

September is Baby Safety Month. Learn more tips on how to keep baby safe at home at babysafetymonth.org.

Amy Chezem is JPMA’s Senior Communications Manager and Baby Safety Month Program Director. Amy has managed the Baby Safety Month program for nearly two decades and helped expand the program creating one of JPMA’s largest consumer education and awareness programs to date.

National Baby Safety Month with MAM

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

September is #NationalBabySafetyMonth, sponsored annually by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). This month-long event increases consumer awareness of baby safety issues and the safe selection and use of baby products. For the past 40 years MAM’s top priority has been the development of products for the well-being, safety and health of babies that make life easier for parents and allow them to focus on the joy of family.

As parents, nothing is more important to us than the safety of our MAM babies. In observance of #NationalBabySafetyMonth @MAMbabyUSA is posting safety tips to help raise awareness of key things we can all do to protect our babies.

Strap in for Safety: Did you know that falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in children ages 0 to 19? Daily about 8,000 children in the US visit the emergency rooms for fall-related injuries. This September, JPMA is focusing on strap safety! Safety belts and straps should always be used when available, whether it’s on the go, in the car, and even at home. Visit www.babysafetymonth.org to learn more about how to create a safe environment for your child!
Back to Sleep: Always place baby to sleep on their backs. A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that about 2 in 10 babies are placed to sleep in incorrect positions that greatly increase the risk of SIDS. Babies should *always* be placed to sleep on their backs. Placing babies to sleep on their sides is just as dangerous as placing babies to sleep on their stomachs, since they are likely to roll over on to their stomachs while sleeping.
Pacifier: Consider pacifier usage when placing baby down for sleep and remember that the pacifier may not be reinserted once baby falls asleep. Pacifier use is shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. MAM supports the AAP published guidelines for pacifier usage; check them out here. Read more here if you’re interested in more information about pacifiers and how they reduce the risk of SIDS.
Check It First: Before placing a pacifier in baby’s mouth, check to see if there is any damage or signs of weakness. Pull the nipple in all directions and throw away the pacifier at the first sign of damage or weakness. Pay extra attention to your child’s pacifier as teeth emerge, which can occur as early as 1 month. Be sure to replace your baby’s pacifier frequently – once a month or every two months.

Temperature: Always monitor your baby’s body temperature. Your baby could be too hot if you notice sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash and rapid breathing. One of the best ways to ensure your baby can regulate their body temperature while they’re asleep is to dress them in natural fibers like cotton, bamboo and merino. ErgoPouch (pictured) is a great choice when it comes to correctly dressing your baby for sleep. The correct, tog (warmth)-rated swaddle or wearable sleep bag/suit will allow you to not use blankets, which can place babies at risk of SIDS. You can see the complete ergoPouch collection here.

Crib Safety: Ensure that your baby’s crib meets CPSC standards and that everything in your nursery is free of harmful chemicals and toxins. Check that the crib of your choice is not on the CPSC recall list, here. Just as important is ensuring that your baby’s crib is placed away from (1) windows, where drafts and sunlight can put your baby at risk, and (2) drapes/blinds, which are strangulation hazards. Our friends at Micuna (pictured) offer a collection of safe, stylish cribs made of sustainable materials like solid Beech Wood. Check out their wide variety of cribs here.
Sleep time: Place baby to sleep on a firm mattress covered by a fitted sheet that meets current safety standards. Remove ALL soft objects from the crib: bumper pads, blankets, pillows and stuffed toys. A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that almost 15% of babies are placed on non-recommended sleep surfaces each night while over 90% of babies have loose, soft objects in their cribs that pose suffocation risks. Please make sure to carefully check your baby’s sleep environment for these dangers to protect their safety.

Crib Mattress: Looking for a great, breathable crib mattress? Our friends at Newton Mattresses (pictured) make Greenguard Gold Certified breathable, washable and recyclable crib mattresses that are specially designed for baby’s health, safety and comfort. The innovative design allows air to flow freely for optimal breathability and temperature regulation.
Tummy Time: The SIDS institute says give your baby plenty of interactive tummy time. This should never be in a bed, a good place for this is on the floor. Never leave baby on their stomach unattended. Play with baby as he/she does baby push-ups. Gathre offers a great selection of wipeable, waterproof bonded leather mats — functional pieces that appeal to the modern mom’s personal aesthetic. Choose the perfect mat for playtime with baby with Gathre!
Picking a Pacifier: MAM pacifiers come in four sizes: newborn, 0-6, 6+ and 16+. Each size was developed with pediatric dentists and developmental psychologists to provide your baby with the ideal pacifier at each age and stage. These sizes are recommendations for your baby’s maximum comfort and safety; if your baby likes a MAM pacifier that is not the ideal size for his or her age, not to worry! It is still safe to use as long as all other safety guidelines are followed.

About MAM
MAM combines technological innovation, medical function and contemporary design to develop superior baby care products that support a baby’s development from day one. Since MAM developed its first pacifier in Vienna in 1976, it has evolved to become a global authority on baby care product design and quality. Today MAM products are used by families in over 60 countries and on six continents. To find out more and view MAM’s baby care range of award-winning pacifiers, bottles, cups, teethers, oral care items, coordinating accessories and gift sets visit www.mambaby.com.

Baby Safety Month: Take the JPMA Carseat Challenge

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

It’s National Baby Safety Month and every Monday we will be sharing tips from the leaders in baby safety knowledge at JPMA. Today is all about carseat safety! Take the JPMA carseat challenge below – and don’t forget to check out last week’s tips, too.

Take The JPMA Carseat Challenge!

As a parent, you try to do everything right. From nutrition to sleep habits, you are constantly making well thought-out decisions that are right for your family. So when it comes to purchasing or installing car seats, why do we become helpless fools?

Whether you are purchasing your first infant carrier, upgrading your toddler into a car seat or researching booster seats, the car seat evolution is a journey through parenthood that can be intimidating. But don’t let it scare you. Stand up to the JPMA carseat challenge and ensure a safe ride every time!

An important responsibility begins with selecting a child car seat and using it properly from the moment you bring the baby home to every car ride after that. All 50 states have laws that require the use of a car seat. All car seats manufactured today must be designed to meet stringent safety standards set by the Federal government.

Unfortunately, 3 out of 4 car seats are installed incorrectly, but when used properly and according to the manufacturers’ instructions, child restraints are highly effective at reducing the likelihood of death by more than 70%.

In fact, child restraints are considerably more effective than adult safety belts.

If you follow a few simple guidelines, riding in the car with your baby can be a safe and enjoyable experience.

The back seat is the safest place to ride.

Choose a seat that fits nicely in your car and can only move one inch in any direction once properly installed. If you purchase a seat that moves too much, please return it and purchase one that fits properly.

Always anchor the car seat/booster seat to the car using the seat belt exactly as directed by the car seat/booster seat manufacturer.

NEVER use a car seat/booster seat in a seating location with an airbag.

Read the vehicle owner’s manual for information on other belt accessories that may be required. Always read the child seat instruction manual. Each manufacturer provides specific instructions regarding proper use and installation of their child seats.

September is Baby Safety Month and this year, JPMA reminds every parent the importance of properly strapping baby into the car seat each and every time:

A snug strap should not allow any slack.

It lies in a relatively straight line without sagging.

It does not press on the child’s flesh or push the child’s body into an unnatural position.

Chest clips should be positioned mid to upper chest area, near armpits. Shoulder straps fit snugly–can only fit 1 finger between harness and shoulder or use pinch test.

Lead by example. Make sure the whole family buckles up!

From rear-facing infant seats to forward-facing car seats to booster seats, there are more options available than ever before. There is quite a bit to consider when choosing the product best suited for you, your baby and your vehicle. With a little bit of knowledge, you can ensure your child safety seat is installed and being using properly.

September is Baby Safety Month. Learn how you can keep baby safe and visit babysafetymonth.org

Baby Safety Month: Strap in For Safety with JPMA

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Did you know September is Baby Safety Month? September is Baby Safety Month, sponsored annually by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). This year, JPMA is helping educate parents and caregivers on the importance of properly using straps on all juvenile products.

Strap In For Safety

Keeping your baby safe and well is your number one goal as a parent so it goes without saying that you take every precaution when creating a safe environment. But unfortunately, falls are still the leading cause of non-fatal injuries for all young children in the U.S. In fact, approximately 8,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries every day. With these staggering statistics, be confident that you are doing everything right when it comes to your baby’s safety.

What Can You Do?

Direct supervision is a sure-fire way to prevent injury – watch, listen and stay near your child. Strap In For Safety!

Child safety devices, like safety belts and straps, should always be used when available.

Straps and safety belts on baby gear reduce the risk of infant fall injuries.

For the safest product use, be sure to read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels.

Whether it’s in the home or on the go, learn how to properly use straps on a variety of products and the importance of correctly using them EVERY time in order to keep baby safe.

Strap In For Safety

Visit www.babysafetymonth.org to learn more about creating the safest environment for your baby!

« Previous Page

safety

Footer

Follow Us:

COME AND GET IT!